Exploring Carleton Place: Coffee, Eats, and Cute Town Vibes
If you ask me, one of the best parts about living in Ottawa isn’t just the city itself (although I do love the city!), it’s all the small towns that sit just outside of it that I love exploring. Each has its own charm and character, with a slower pace that feels more in line with my vibe. Lately, I’ve been dipping my toes into exploring more of them, and Carleton Place has quickly become one of my favourites to explore.
Downtown Carleton Place is full of character. Think heritage buildings, murals, local shops, and a strong community vibe. It’s super walkable, and you’ll want to take your time dipping into the boutiques, bakeries, and locally owned stores that line the main street.My first stop is always The Foundry Coffee Bar, it’s so cute and cozy, and just wonderful! The oat-milk cappuccino has basically become my personality at this point. It’s also such a good coffee shop to bring a laptop and get some work done.
I recently went to Blue Spoon Atelier, (thank you @morgan.exploring for the recommendation!) Their sandwich and baked goods selections are too good to skip. It’s the perfect little lunch spot, especially if you want something delicious and homemade. Plus, they offer cooking classes, so be sure to stay up to date!
When the day starts to wind down, St. James Gate is such a solid choice for happy hour and/or dinner. Good drinks, a cozy atmosphere, and live music! How fun right? If you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway (which I highly recommend), The Grand Hotel is a lovely spot to stay. A friend of mine got married there, and it’s just as charming inside as it looks from the street, plus you can walk everywhere downtown from your room.
If you’re looking for a close-to-home escape, consider this your sign to explore it for yourself. And if you find yourself falling in love with the whole small-town charm (because honestly, same), don’t stop at Carleton Place. Just a short drive away, there’s Perth, the town that looks like it was pulled out of a Hallmark with its stone buildings, cute boutiques, and that dreamy riverside park you’ll definitely want photos of. Then there’s Almonte, which feels like the cool artsy cousin, full of indie shops, amazing cafés, and that picture-perfect waterfall right in town.
